AMENDMENT PAGES 2015: No. 2 June

Highlights

Law Society Rules: In April, the Benchers adopted revised and consolidated Law Society Rules, which come into effect July 1, 2015. The primary objectives of the revision and consolidation are to:

re-number all rules and subrules in consecutive whole number order to eliminate decimal numbering; add headings to cross-references to aid recognition; consider the logical placement of provisions and relocate as necessary; ensure consistency and economy of language; identify substantive issues for consideration outside of the consolidation project.

A historical table showing the new and old numbers assigned to each rule with the dates of past changes since the 1998 Rules is available for download on the Law Society website (see Publications > Law Society Rules). Code of Professional Conduct for British Columbia: Following a consultation with the profession, the Benchers have amended the rule on statements of accounts, in particular the duty of candour owed to clients regarding fees and other charges (rule 3.6-3, commentary [1]: p. 46); confidentiality restrictions are amended to allow parenting coordinators some discretion to disclose information (Appendix B, paragraph 4: p. 102.1).

Filing: File the amended pages in your Member’s Manual as follows:

Manual section Existing pages to be removed Amendment pages to be inserted

Law Society Rules Title page 1 – 136

Title page 1 – 224

Code of Professional Conduct for British Columbia

45 – 46 102.1 – 102.2

45 – 46 102.1 – 102.2

After filing, insert this sheet at the front of the Manual for reference.

Updates: This amendment package updates the Member’s Manual to June 12, 2015. The previous amendment package was 2015: No. 1 March.

To check that your copy of the Manual is up to date, consult the contents checklist on the back of this filing page. If you have further questions about updating your Manual, contact Meaghan Lien in the Communications department: telephone 604.697.5838 or toll-free 1.800.903.5300 or email communications@lsbc.org.

Website: The Legal Profession Act, Law Society Rules and Code of Professional Conduct for British Columbia can be accessed in the Publications section of the Law Society website at lawsociety.bc.ca in both HTML (for online use) and PDF (for printout, including printout of Member’s Manual replacement pages).

Refer to the Law Society website for the most current versions of the Act, Rules and Code.

MEMBER’S MANUAL CONTENTS CHECKLIST

2015: No. 2 June

The following list of pages and tabs can be used to verify that your Member’s Manual is complete and up to date.

Section of Manual Pages Dated Section of Manual Pages Dated

Divider tab: LEGAL PROFESSION ACT Title page — — Table of Contents 1 – 4 [12/2012]Text 5 – 8 [03/2014] 9 – 34, 34.1 – 34.6 [12/2012] 35 – 36 [09/2011] 36.1 – 36.2 [07/07] 37 – 38 [12/98] 39 – 42 [12/2012] 43 – 44 [03/2013] 45 – 46 [07/2010] 47 – 50 [12/98] 51 – 58 [12/2012] 59 – 60 [09/2014] Divider tab: LAW SOCIETY RULES Title page — — Table of Contents 1 – 10 [06/2015]Text 11 – 224 [06/2015]

Divider tab: CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT / PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT HANDBOOK Title page — — Table of Contents i – vi [03/2014]Text 1 – 2 [12/2013] 3 – 10 [12/2012] 11 – 14, 14.1 – 14.2 [12/2013] 15 – 16 [06/2013] 17 – 36 [12/2012] 37 – 38 [12/2013] 39 – 40 [06/2013] 41 – 42 [12/2012] 43 – 44 [06/2013] 45 – 46 [06/2015] 47 – 56 [12/2012] 57 – 58 [12/2014] 59 – 70 [12/2012] 71 – 72 [09/2014] 73 – 74 [12/2012] 75 – 76, 76.1 – 76.2 [06/2013] 77 – 82 [12/2012] 83 – 84, 84.1 – 84.2 [12/2013] 85 – 100 [12/2012] 101 – 102 [03/2013] 102.1 – 102.2 [06/2015] 103 – 106 [03/2015] 107 – 116 [12/2012] Divider tab: INSURANCE POLICIES Policy No. LPL 15-01-01 1 – 28 [12/2014] Divider tab: ARTICLING Text 1 – 2 [06/03] 3 – 4 [07/09] 5 – 8 [06/03]

LAW SOCIETY RULES 2015

Adopted by the Benchers of the Law Society of British Columbia under the authority of the Legal Profession Act, S.B.C. 1998, c. 9

Effective date: July 1, 2015

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CONTENTS

Rule Page 1 Definitions ................................................................................................................... 11

PART 1 – ORGANIZATION Division 1 – Law Society Benchers

1-1 Term of office .............................................................................................................. 19 1-2 Term limits .................................................................................................................. 19 1-3 Oath of office ............................................................................................................... 19 1-4 Life Benchers .............................................................................................................. 20 1-5 President and Vice-Presidents ..................................................................................... 20 1-6 Removal of the President or a Vice-President ............................................................. 21 1-7 Bencher ceasing to be member .................................................................................... 22

Meetings 1-8 Annual general meeting ............................................................................................... 22 1-9 Telephone connections ................................................................................................ 23 1-10 Auditors ....................................................................................................................... 23 1-11 Special general meeting ............................................................................................... 24 1-12 Quorum ........................................................................................................................ 25 1-13 Procedure at general meeting ...................................................................................... 25 1-14 Bencher meetings ........................................................................................................ 26 1-15 Notice of Bencher meeting .......................................................................................... 26 1-16 Procedure at Bencher meeting ..................................................................................... 27 1-17 Quorum for committee meetings ................................................................................. 28 1-18 Procedure for committee meetings .............................................................................. 28

Elections 1-19 Second Vice-President-elect ........................................................................................ 28 1-20 Bencher elections ........................................................................................................ 28 1-21 Regional election of Benchers ..................................................................................... 29 1-22 Qualifications of candidate .......................................................................................... 29 1-23 Nomination .................................................................................................................. 30 1-24 Acclamation ................................................................................................................. 30 1-25 Eligibility and entitlement to vote ............................................................................... 30 1-26 Voter list ...................................................................................................................... 30 1-27 Voting procedure ......................................................................................................... 31 1-28 Order of names on ballot ............................................................................................. 32 1-29 Rejection of ballot papers ............................................................................................ 32 1-30 Alternative vote ballot ................................................................................................. 33 1-31 Scrutineers ................................................................................................................... 33 1-32 Counting of votes ........................................................................................................ 33 1-33 Attendance of candidate .............................................................................................. 34 1-34 Declaration of candidates elected ................................................................................ 34 1-35 Election record and disclosure of votes received ......................................................... 34 1-36 Review by Executive Committee ................................................................................ 34 1-37 Retention of documents ............................................................................................... 35 1-38 Bencher by-election ..................................................................................................... 35 1-39 Appointment of Bencher to represent a district ........................................................... 35

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1-40 Referendum ballots ..................................................................................................... 36 1-41 Election of Executive Committee ............................................................................... 36 1-42 Date falling on Saturday, Sunday or holiday .............................................................. 37 1-43 Interruption of postal service ...................................................................................... 37 1-44 Extension of dates ....................................................................................................... 37

General 1-45 Seal ............................................................................................................................. 37 1-46 Laying of information ................................................................................................. 37 1-47 Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act ............................................. 38 1-48 Appointment of Law Society counsel ......................................................................... 38

Division 2 – Committees 1-49 Committees of the Benchers ....................................................................................... 38 1-50 Executive Committee .................................................................................................. 38 1-51 Powers and duties ....................................................................................................... 39

Division 3 – Law Society Rules 1-52 Act, Rules and Code ................................................................................................... 39

PART 2 – MEMBERSHIP AND AUTHORITY TO PRACTISE LAW Division 1 – Practice of Law Members

2-1 Categories of membership .......................................................................................... 41 2-2 Member in good standing ........................................................................................... 41 2-3 Non-practising members ............................................................................................. 41 2-4 Retired members ......................................................................................................... 41 2-5 Release from undertaking ........................................................................................... 42 2-6 Legal services by non-practising and retired members ............................................... 42 2-7 Certificates and permits .............................................................................................. 42

Member information 2-8 Annual practice declaration ........................................................................................ 43 2-9 Definition .................................................................................................................... 43 2-10 Business address ......................................................................................................... 43 2-11 Residential address ..................................................................................................... 43 2-12 Practice history ........................................................................................................... 44

Paralegals 2-13 Supervision of limited number of designated paralegals ............................................ 44

Unauthorized practice 2-14 Unauthorized practice of law ....................................................................................... 44

Inter-jurisdictional practice 2-15 Definitions .................................................................................................................. 45 2-16 Inter-jurisdictional practice without a permit ............................................................... 45 2-17 Disqualifications ......................................................................................................... 47 2-18 Federal jurisdiction ..................................................................................................... 47 2-19 Inter-jurisdictional practice permit ............................................................................. 48 2-20 Application for inter-jurisdictional practice permit .................................................... 48 2-21 Non-practising and retired members ........................................................................... 49 2-22 Expiry and renewal of inter-jurisdictional practice permit ......................................... 49 2-23 Responsibilities of visiting lawyer .............................................................................. 49 2-24 Enforcement ................................................................................................................ 50

Contents

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2-25 Trust funds ................................................................................................................... 51 2-26 Dispute resolution ........................................................................................................ 51 2-27 National Registry of Practising Lawyers ..................................................................... 51

Practitioners of foreign law 2-28 Definitions ................................................................................................................... 51 2-29 Practitioners of foreign law ......................................................................................... 52 2-30 Conditions and limitations ........................................................................................... 53 2-31 Providing foreign legal services without a permit ....................................................... 53 2-32 Dual qualification ........................................................................................................ 54 2-33 Marketing of legal services by practitioners of foreign law ......................................... 55 2-34 Renewal of permit ....................................................................................................... 55

Canadian legal advisors 2-35 Scope of practice .......................................................................................................... 56 2-36 Requirements ................................................................................................................ 56

Non-resident partners 2-37 Inter-jurisdictional law firms ....................................................................................... 56

Multi-disciplinary practice 2-38 Definition and application ........................................................................................... 57 2-39 Conditions for MDP ..................................................................................................... 57 2-40 Application to practise law in MDP ............................................................................ 58 2-41 Consideration of MDP application .............................................................................. 59 2-42 Changes in MDP .......................................................................................................... 60 2-43 Cancellation of MDP permit ........................................................................................ 60 2-44 Lawyer’s professional duties ....................................................................................... 61 2-45 Privilege and confidentiality ........................................................................................ 62 2-46 Conflicts of interest ..................................................................................................... 62 2-47 Liability insurance ....................................................................................................... 62 2-48 Trust funds ................................................................................................................... 63 2-49 Notifying the Society ................................................................................................... 63

Division 2 – Admission and Reinstatement Credentials Committee

2-50 Credentials Committee ................................................................................................ 63 2-51 Referral to Credentials Committee .............................................................................. 64 2-52 Powers of Credentials Committee ............................................................................... 64

Application for enrolment, admission or reinstatement 2-53 Disclosure of information ............................................................................................. 64

Admission program 2-54 Enrolment in the admission program ........................................................................... 65 2-55 Re-enrolment ............................................................................................................... 66 2-56 Consideration of application for enrolment ................................................................. 67 2-57 Principals ..................................................................................................................... 67 2-58 Hiring articled students ................................................................................................ 68 2-59 Articling term .............................................................................................................. 69 2-60 Legal services by articled students .............................................................................. 69 2-61 Mid-term report ........................................................................................................... 70 2-62 Part-time articles .......................................................................................................... 71 2-63 Law clerks ................................................................................................................... 71 2-64 Articles in another Canadian jurisdiction .................................................................... 72

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2-65 Practice experience in a common law jurisdiction outside Canada ............................ 72 2-66 Secondment of articles ................................................................................................ 72 2-67 Assignment of articles ................................................................................................ 72 2-68 Other employment ...................................................................................................... 73 2-69 Leave during articles ................................................................................................... 73 2-70 Temporary articles ...................................................................................................... 74 2-71 Court and tribunal appearances by temporary articled students ................................. 75 2-72 Training course ........................................................................................................... 76 2-73 Tutorial program ......................................................................................................... 77 2-74 Review by Credentials Committee ............................................................................. 77 2-75 Termination of enrolment ........................................................................................... 79

Call and admission 2-76 Call and admission ...................................................................................................... 79 2-77 First call and admission .............................................................................................. 79 2-78 Law school faculty ...................................................................................................... 80 2-79 Transfer from another Canadian jurisdiction .............................................................. 80 2-80 In-house counsel .......................................................................................................... 82 2-81 Transfer under National Mobility Agreement and Territorial Mobility Agreement .... 82 2-82 Transfer as Canadian legal advisor .............................................................................. 83 2-83 Consideration of application for call and admission ................................................... 84 2-84 Barristers and solicitors’ roll and oath ........................................................................ 84

Reinstatement 2-85 Reinstatement of former lawyer .................................................................................. 85 2-86 Subsequent application for reinstatement ................................................................... 86 2-87 Reinstatement of former judge or master .................................................................... 87

Returning to practice 2-88 Definition and application .......................................................................................... 88 2-89 Returning to practice after an absence ........................................................................ 88 2-90 Conditions on returning to practice ............................................................................. 89

Credentials hearings 2-91 Notice to applicant ...................................................................................................... 90 2-92 Security for costs ........................................................................................................ 90 2-93 Law Society counsel ................................................................................................... 91 2-94 Preliminary questions ................................................................................................. 91 2-95 Compelling witnesses and production of documents .................................................. 91 2-96 Pre-hearing conference ................................................................................................ 92 2-97 Appointment of panel ................................................................................................. 93 2-98 Adjournment of hearing .............................................................................................. 93 2-99 Attendance at the hearing ........................................................................................... 93 2-100 Onus and burden of proof ........................................................................................... 93 2-101 Procedure .................................................................................................................... 94 2-102 Inactive applications ................................................................................................... 94 2-103 Publication of credentials decision .............................................................................. 95 2-104 Anonymous publication .............................................................................................. 95

Division 3 – Fees and Assessments 2-105 Annual practising fees ................................................................................................ 96 2-106 Assessments ................................................................................................................ 96 2-107 Application fees .......................................................................................................... 96 2-108 Late payment .............................................................................................................. 96 2-109 Definition and application .......................................................................................... 97

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2-110 Trust administration fee ............................................................................................... 98 2-111 Late payment of trust administration fee ..................................................................... 98 2-112 Executive Director’s discretion ................................................................................... 98 2-113 Referral to Executive Committee ................................................................................ 98 2-114 Taxes payable .............................................................................................................. 99 2-115 Refund when lawyer does not practise law ................................................................. 99 2-116 Refund on exemption during practice year .................................................................. 99 2-117 Failure to pay fine, costs or penalty ............................................................................. 100 2-118 No refund on suspension ............................................................................................. 100

PART 3 – PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC Division 1 – Complaints

3-1 Application .................................................................................................................. 101 3-2 Complaints ................................................................................................................... 101 3-3 Confidentiality of complaints ...................................................................................... 101 3-4 Consideration of complaints and other information .................................................... 102 3-5 Investigation of complaints ......................................................................................... 102 3-6 Failure to produce records on complaint investigation ................................................ 104 3-7 Resolution by informal means ..................................................................................... 104 3-8 Action after investigation ............................................................................................ 104 3-9 Notifying the parties .................................................................................................... 105 3-10 Extraordinary action to protect public ......................................................................... 105 3-11 Medical examination ................................................................................................... 106 3-12 Procedure ..................................................................................................................... 106 3-13 Appointment of Complainants’ Review Committee ................................................... 107 3-14 Review by Complainants’ Review Committee ............................................................ 108

Division 2 – Practice Standards 3-15 Practice Standards Committee ..................................................................................... 108 3-16 Objectives .................................................................................................................... 109 3-17 Consideration of complaints ........................................................................................ 109 3-18 Practice review ............................................................................................................ 110 3-19 Action by Practice Standards Committee .................................................................... 110 3-20 Conditions or limitations on practice ........................................................................... 111 3-21 Referral to Discipline Committee ................................................................................ 112 3-22 Remedial program ....................................................................................................... 113 3-23 Confidentiality of Practice Standards Committee deliberations .................................. 113 3-24 Report to complainant ................................................................................................. 114 3-25 Costs ............................................................................................................................ 114

Division 3 – Education 3-26 Definitions ................................................................................................................... 114 3-27 Application .................................................................................................................. 115 3-28 Small firm course ........................................................................................................ 115 3-29 Professional development ............................................................................................ 115 3-30 Mentoring .................................................................................................................... 116 3-31 Late completion of professional development ............................................................. 117 3-32 Failure to complete professional development ............................................................ 118

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Division 4 – Specialization and Restricted Practice 3-33 Definitions ................................................................................................................... 118 3-34 Advertising ................................................................................................................. 118 3-35 Family law mediators ................................................................................................. 118 3-36 Family law arbitrators ................................................................................................. 119 3-37 Parenting coordinators ................................................................................................ 119 3-38 Professional development for family law neutrals ...................................................... 120

Division 5 – Insurance 3-39 Compulsory liability insurance ................................................................................... 120 3-40 Annual insurance fee .................................................................................................. 121 3-41 Payment of annual insurance fee by instalments ........................................................ 121 3-42 Insurance fee credit ..................................................................................................... 122 3-43 Exemption from liability insurance ............................................................................ 122 3-44 Deductible, surcharge and reimbursement .................................................................. 123 3-45 Application for insurance coverage ............................................................................ 123 3-46 Confidentiality of insurance claims ............................................................................ 123

Division 6 – Financial Responsibility 3-47 Definitions .................................................................................................................. 124 3-48 Application ................................................................................................................. 125 3-49 Standards of financial responsibility ........................................................................... 125 3-50 Failure to satisfy judgment ......................................................................................... 126 3-51 Insolvent lawyer .......................................................................................................... 126 3-52 Consideration by Discipline Committee ..................................................................... 127

Division 7 – Trust Accounts and Other Client Property 3-53 Definitions .................................................................................................................. 128 3-54 Personal responsibility ................................................................................................ 128 3-55 Fiduciary property ...................................................................................................... 128 3-56 Designated savings institutions ................................................................................... 129 3-57 Removal of designation .............................................................................................. 129 3-58 Deposit of trust funds .................................................................................................. 129 3-59 Cash transactions ......................................................................................................... 130 3-60 Pooled trust account .................................................................................................... 131 3-61 Separate trust account ................................................................................................. 132 3-62 Cheque endorsed over ................................................................................................. 132 3-63 Trust account balance ................................................................................................. 132 3-64 Withdrawal from trust ................................................................................................. 132 3-65 Payment of fees from trust .......................................................................................... 133 3-66 Withdrawal from separate trust account ..................................................................... 135 3-67 Accounting records ..................................................................................................... 136 3-68 Trust account records .................................................................................................. 137 3-69 General account records .............................................................................................. 137 3-70 Records of cash transactions ....................................................................................... 138 3-71 Billing records ............................................................................................................ 139 3-72 Recording transactions ................................................................................................ 139 3-73 Monthly trust reconciliation ........................................................................................ 139 3-74 Trust shortage ............................................................................................................. 140 3-75 Retention of records .................................................................................................... 140 3-76 Executive Director’s modification .............................................................................. 141 3-77 Annual CDIC report ................................................................................................... 141 3-78 Lawyer’s right to claim funds ..................................................................................... 141 3-79 Trust report ................................................................................................................. 141

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3-80 Late filing of trust report ............................................................................................. 142 3-81 Failure to file trust report ............................................................................................. 142 3-82 Accountant’s report ..................................................................................................... 143 3-83 Exceptions and qualifications ...................................................................................... 144 3-84 Former lawyers ............................................................................................................ 144 3-85 Compliance audit of books, records and accounts ....................................................... 144 3-86 Failure to produce records on compliance audit .......................................................... 145 3-87 Disposition of files, trust money and other documents and valuables ......................... 145

Division 8 – Unclaimed Trust Money 3-88 Definition .................................................................................................................... 147 3-89 Payment of unclaimed trust funds to the Society ........................................................ 147 3-90 Investigation of claims ................................................................................................ 147 3-91 Adjudication of claims ................................................................................................ 148 3-92 Calculation of interest .................................................................................................. 149 3-93 Efforts to locate the owner of funds ............................................................................ 149 3-94 Payment to the Law Foundation .................................................................................. 149

Division 9 – Real Estate Practice 3-95 Definitions ................................................................................................................... 149 3-96 Report of failure to cancel mortgage ........................................................................... 150

Division 10 – Criminal Charges 3-97 Reporting criminal charges .......................................................................................... 150

Division 11 – Client Identification and Verification 3-98 Definitions ................................................................................................................... 151 3-99 Application .................................................................................................................. 152 3-100 Client identification ..................................................................................................... 153 3-101 Exemptions ................................................................................................................... 153 3-102 Verification .................................................................................................................. 154 3-103 Identifying directors, shareholders and owners ........................................................... 155 3-104 Client identification and verification in non-face-to-face transactions ........................ 155 3-105 Timing of verification for individuals ......................................................................... 156 3-106 Timing of verification for organizations ...................................................................... 156 3-107 Record keeping and retention ...................................................................................... 157 3-108 Existing matters ........................................................................................................... 157 3-109 Criminal activity .......................................................................................................... 157

PART 4 – DISCIPLINE 4-1 Interpretation and application ...................................................................................... 159 4-2 Discipline Committee .................................................................................................. 159 4-3 Consideration of complaints by Committee ................................................................ 159 4-4 Action on complaints ................................................................................................... 160 4-5 Consideration of complaints by chair .......................................................................... 160 4-6 Continuation of membership during investigation or disciplinary proceedings .......... 160 4-7 Notification .................................................................................................................. 161 4-8 Confidentiality of Discipline Committee deliberations ............................................... 161 4-9 Conduct letter from the chair ....................................................................................... 162 4-10 Conduct meeting .......................................................................................................... 162 4-11 Conduct Review Subcommittee .................................................................................. 163 4-12 Conduct review ............................................................................................................ 163 4-13 Conduct Review Subcommittee report ........................................................................ 163 4-14 Privilege and confidentiality ........................................................................................ 164

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4-15 Publication and disclosure .......................................................................................... 164 4-16 Evidence of conduct review at the hearing of a citation .............................................. 165 4-17 Direction to issue, expand or rescind citation .............................................................. 165 4-18 Contents of citation ...................................................................................................... 165 4-19 Notice of citation ......................................................................................................... 165 4-20 Disclosure of citation ................................................................................................... 166 4-21 Amending an allegation in a citation ........................................................................... 166 4-22 Severance and joinder .................................................................................................. 166 4-23 Interim suspension or practice conditions ................................................................... 167 4-24 Notification of respondent .......................................................................................... 168 4-25 Disclosure ................................................................................................................... 168 4-26 Review of interim suspension or practice conditions ................................................. 169 4-27 Appointment of discipline counsel ............................................................................. 170 4-28 Notice to admit ........................................................................................................... 170 4-29 Conditional admissions ............................................................................................... 171 4-30 Conditional admission and consent to disciplinary action .......................................... 172 4-31 Rejection of admissions .............................................................................................. 172 4-32 Notice of hearing ........................................................................................................ 173 4-33 Summary hearing ........................................................................................................ 173 4-34 Demand for disclosure of evidence ............................................................................. 174 4-35 Application for details of the circumstances ............................................................... 174 4-36 Preliminary questions .................................................................................................. 175 4-37 Compelling witnesses and production of documents .................................................. 175 4-38 Pre-hearing conference ............................................................................................... 176 4-39 Appointment of panel ................................................................................................. 177 4-40 Adjournment ............................................................................................................... 177 4-41 Preliminary matters ..................................................................................................... 178 4-42 Evidence of respondent ................................................................................................ 178 4-43 Submissions and determination ................................................................................... 178 4-44 Disciplinary action ....................................................................................................... 178 4-45 Discipline proceedings involving members of other governing bodies ...................... 180 4-46 Discipline involving lawyers practising in other jurisdictions .................................... 180 4-47 Public notice of suspension or disbarment .................................................................. 181 4-48 Publication of disciplinary action ................................................................................ 182 4-49 Anonymous publication .............................................................................................. 183 4-50 Disclosure of practice restrictions ............................................................................... 183 4-51 Disbarment .................................................................................................................. 184 4-52 Conviction .................................................................................................................. 184 4-53 Notice .......................................................................................................................... 184 4-54 Summary procedure .................................................................................................... 184 4-55 Investigation of books and accounts ........................................................................... 185

PART 5 – HEARINGS AND APPEALS 5-1 Application ................................................................................................................. 187 5-2 Hearing panels ............................................................................................................ 187 5-3 Panel member unable to continue ............................................................................... 188 5-4 Disqualification ........................................................................................................... 188 5-5 Compelling witnesses and production of documents ................................................... 188 5-6 Procedure .................................................................................................................... 189 5-7 Communication with Ombudsperson confidential ..................................................... 189 5-8 Public hearing ............................................................................................................. 190 5-9 Transcript and exhibits ................................................................................................ 190

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5-10 Decision ....................................................................................................................... 191 5-11 Costs of hearings ......................................................................................................... 191 5-12 Application to vary certain orders ............................................................................... 192 5-13 Failure to pay costs or fulfill practice condition .......................................................... 193 5-14 Recovery of money owed to the Society ..................................................................... 193

Reviews and appeals 5-15 Review by review board .............................................................................................. 193 5-16 Review boards ............................................................................................................. 194 5-17 Disqualification ........................................................................................................... 194 5-18 Review board member unable to continue .................................................................. 194 5-19 Initiating a review ........................................................................................................ 195 5-20 Stay of order pending review ....................................................................................... 195 5-21 Notice of review .......................................................................................................... 195 5-22 Record of credentials hearing ...................................................................................... 196 5-23 Record of discipline hearing ........................................................................................ 196 5-24 Record of an order for costs by the Practice Standards Committee ............................. 196 5-25 Pre-review conference ................................................................................................. 197 5-26 Adjournment ................................................................................................................ 198 5-27 Decision on review ...................................................................................................... 198 5-28 Inactive reviews ........................................................................................................... 198 5.29 Appeal to Court of Appeal .......................................................................................... 199

PART 6 – CUSTODIANSHIPS 6-1 Co-operation in conduct of custodianship ................................................................... 201 6-2 Report of possible claim .............................................................................................. 201 6-3 Acting for lawyer’s clients .......................................................................................... 201 6-4 Acquiring lawyer’s practice ......................................................................................... 201 6-5 Notice of custodianship order ....................................................................................... 201

PART 7 – LAW FOUNDATION [no rules]

PART 8 – LAWYERS’ FEES 8-1 Reasonable remuneration ............................................................................................ 203 8-2 Maximum remuneration in personal injury actions ..................................................... 203 8-3 Form and content of contingent fee agreements .......................................................... 203 8-4 Statement of rules in contingent fee agreements ......................................................... 204

PART 9 – INCORPORATION AND LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIPS Division 1 – Law Corporations

9-1 Corporate name ........................................................................................................... 205 9-2 Corporate name certificate ........................................................................................... 205 9-3 Review of Executive Director’s decision .................................................................... 205 9-4 Law corporation permit ............................................................................................... 206 9-5 Issuance of permit ....................................................................................................... 206 9-6 Change of corporate name ........................................................................................... 206 9-7 Public disclosure of corporate status ........................................................................... 207 9-8 Corporate information ................................................................................................. 207 9-9 Disclosure of corporate information ............................................................................ 207 9-10 Notice of change in corporate information .................................................................. 208 9-11 Revocation of permits .................................................................................................. 208

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Division 2 – Limited Liability Partnerships 9-12 Definition .................................................................................................................... 209 9-13 Practice through a limited liability partnership ........................................................... 209 9-14 LLP name .................................................................................................................... 209 9-15 Notice of application for registration .......................................................................... 209 9-16 Review of Executive Director’s decision .................................................................... 210 9-17 Disclosure of LLP status .............................................................................................. 210 9-18 Change in LLP information and annual reports .......................................................... 211 9-19 Disclosure of LLP information ................................................................................... 212 9-20 Notification of non-compliance .................................................................................. 212

PART 10 – GENERAL 10-1 Service and notice ....................................................................................................... 213 10-2 Duty not to disclose .................................................................................................... 214 10-3 Records ....................................................................................................................... 214 10-4 Security of records ...................................................................................................... 215

SCHEDULES Schedule 1 – Law Society Fees and Assessments ........................................................................ 217 Schedule 2 – Prorated Fees and Assessments for Practising Lawyers ......................................... 220 Schedule 3 – Prorated Fees for Non-Practising and Retired Members ........................................ 221 Schedule 4 – Tariff for Hearing and Review Costs ..................................................................... 222 Schedule 5 – Form of Summons .................................................................................................. 224

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RULE 1 – DEFINITIONS

Definitions

1 In these rules, unless the context indicates otherwise: “Act” means the Legal Profession Act, SBC 1998, c. 9; “admission program” means the program for articled students administered by the

Society or its agents, commencing on an articled student’s enrolment start date and including the period during which the student is

(a) articled to a principal, or (b) registered in the training course;

“advertising” includes letterhead, business cards and the use of paid space or time in a public medium, or the use of a commercial publication such as a brochure or handbill, to communicate with the general public or a group of people, for the purpose of promoting professional services or enhancing the image of the advertiser;

“agreed statement of facts” means a written statement of facts signed by discipline counsel and by or on behalf of the respondent;

“applicant” means a person who has applied under Part 2 [Membership and Authority to Practise Law] for enrolment as an articled student, for call and admission or for reinstatement;

“appointed Bencher” means a person appointed as a Bencher under section 5 [Appointed benchers];

“articled student” means a person who is enrolled in the admission program; “articling agreement” means a contract in a form approved by the Credentials

Committee executed by an applicant for enrolment and his or her prospective principal;

“articling start date” means the date on which an articled student begins employment with his or her principal;

“articling term” means the 9 month period referred to in Rule 2-59 [Articling term]; “Barreau” means the Barreau du Québec; “Bencher” does not include the Attorney General unless expressly stated; “chair” means a person appointed to preside at meetings of a committee, panel or

review board; “Chambre” means the Chambre des notaires du Québec; “company” means a company as defined in the Business Corporations Act;

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“complainant” means a person who has delivered a complaint about a lawyer or a law corporation to the Society under Rule 3-2 [Complaints];

“complaint” means an allegation that a lawyer or a law corporation has committed a discipline violation;

“conduct unbecoming a lawyer” includes any matter, conduct or thing that is considered, in the judgment of the Benchers, a panel or a review board,

(a) to be contrary to the best interest of the public or of the legal profession, or (b) to harm the standing of the legal profession;

“costs” includes costs assessed under Rule 3-25 [Costs] or 3-81 [Failure to file trust report] or Part 5 [Hearings and Appeals];

“disbarred lawyer” means a person to whom section 15 (3) [Authority to practise law] applies;

“disciplinary record” includes any of the following, unless reversed on appeal or review:

(a) any action taken by a governing body as a result of (i) professional misconduct, (ii) incompetence, (iii) conduct unbecoming a lawyer, (iv) lack of physical or mental capacity to engage in the practice of law, (v) any other breach of a lawyer’s professional responsibilities; (b) disbarment; (c) a lawyer’s resignation or otherwise ceasing to be a member of a governing

body as a result of disciplinary proceedings; (d) restrictions or limits on a lawyer’s entitlement to practise, other than those

imposed as a result of failure to pay fees to a governing body, insolvency or bankruptcy or other administrative matter;

(e) any interim suspension or restriction or limits on a lawyer’s entitlement to practise imposed pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing.

“discipline violation” means any of the following: (a) professional misconduct; (b) conduct unbecoming a lawyer; (c) a breach of the Act or these rules; (d) incompetent performance of duties undertaken by a lawyer in the capacity of a

lawyer; (e) conduct that would constitute professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming a

lawyer or a contravention of the Act or these rules if done by a lawyer;

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“enrolment start date” means the date on which an articled student’s enrolment in the admission program becomes effective;

“Executive Committee” means the Committee elected under Rule 1-41 [Election of Executive Committee];

“Executive Director” includes a person designated by the Executive Director to perform any of the duties assigned to the Executive Director in these rules;

“fiduciary property” means (a) funds, other than trust funds, and valuables for which a lawyer is responsible in

a representative capacity or as a trustee, if the lawyer’s appointment is derived from a solicitor-client relationship,

but does not include (b) any funds and valuables that are subject to a power of attorney granted to the

lawyer if the lawyer has not taken control of or otherwise dealt with the funds or valuables;

“firm” includes one lawyer or two or more lawyers practising together, including in the following arrangements:

(a) a sole proprietorship; (b) a partnership, including a limited liability partnership or a partnership of law

corporations; (c) an arrangement for lawyers to share certain common expenses but otherwise

practise as independent practitioners; (d) a law corporation; (e) a public body such as government or a Crown corporation; (f) a corporation that is not a law corporation, or other private body; (g) a multi-disciplinary practice;

“foreign jurisdiction” means a country other than Canada or an internal jurisdiction of a country other than Canada;

“Foundation” means the Law Foundation of British Columbia continued under section 58 (1) [Law Foundation of British Columbia];

“funds” includes current coin, government or bank notes, bills of exchange, cheques, drafts, money orders, charge card sales slips, credit slips and electronic transfers;

“general” in relation to accounts, books, records and transactions means those pertaining to general funds;

“general funds” means funds received by a lawyer in relation to the practice of law, but does not include

(a) trust funds, or (b) fiduciary property;

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“governing body” means the governing body of the legal profession in another province or territory of Canada;

“inter-jurisdictional law firm” means a firm carrying on the practice of law in British Columbia and in one or more other Canadian or foreign jurisdictions, unless all lawyers in all offices of the firm are practising lawyers;

“inter-jurisdictional practice” includes practice by a member of the Society in another Canadian jurisdiction;

“investigate” includes authorizing an investigation and continuing an investigation in progress;

“law clerk” means a law clerk employed by a judge appointed under section 96 of the Constitution Act, 1867, or a judge of the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court, the Federal Court of Appeal or the Tax Court of Canada;

“lawyer” means a member of the Society; “limited liability partnership” or “LLP” means a limited liability partnership under

Part 6 of the Partnership Act, including an extraprovincial limited liability partnership registered under that Part;

“metadata” includes the following information generated in respect of an electronic record:

(a) creation date; (b) modification dates; (c) printing information; (d) pre-edit data from earlier drafts; (e) identity of an individual responsible for creating, modifying or printing the

record;

“multi-disciplinary practice” or “MDP” means a partnership, including a limited liability partnership or a partnership of law corporations, that

(a) is owned by at least one lawyer or law corporation and at least one individual non-lawyer or professional corporation that is not a law corporation, and

(b) provides to the public legal services supported or supplemented by the services of another profession, trade or occupation;

“National Mobility Agreement” means the National Mobility Agreement, 2013, of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, as amended from time to time;

“net interest” means the total interest earned on a pooled trust account, minus any service charges and transmittal fee that the savings institution charges to that account;

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“officer” means the Executive Director, a Deputy Executive Director or other person appointed as an officer by the Benchers;

“Ombudsperson” means a person appointed by the Executive Director to provide confidential dispute resolution and mediation assistance to lawyers, articled students, law students and support staff of legal employers, regarding allegations of harassment or discrimination by lawyers on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, disability or age, and includes anyone employed by the Ombudsperson to assist in that capacity;

“panel” means a panel established in accordance with Part 5 [Hearings and Appeals]; “practice review” means an investigation into a lawyer’s competence to practise law

ordered under Rule 3-17 (3) (d) [Consideration of complaints] or 3-18 (1) [Practice review];

“practice year” means the period beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31 in a year;

“practitioner of foreign law” means a person qualified to practise law in a foreign jurisdiction who provides foreign legal services in British Columbia respecting the laws of that foreign jurisdiction;

“principal” means a lawyer who is qualified to employ and employs an articled student;

“pro bono legal services” means the practice of law not performed for or in the expectation of a fee, gain or reward;

“professional conduct record” means a record of all or some of the following information respecting a lawyer:

(a) an order under Rule 2-57 (5) [Principals], prohibiting the lawyer from acting as a principal for an articled student;

(b) any conditions or limitations of practice or articles accepted or imposed under the Act or these rules;

(c) a decision by a panel or a review board to reject an application for enrolment, call and admission or reinstatement;

(d) a decision by the Credentials Committee to reject an application for an inter-jurisdictional practice permit;

(e) any suspension or disbarment under the Act or these rules; (f) recommendations made by the Practice Standards Committee under Rule 3-19

[Action by Practice Standards Committee]; (g) an admission accepted by the Discipline Committee under Rule 4-29

[Conditional admissions];

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(h) an admission and consent to disciplinary action accepted by a hearing panel under Rule 4-30 [Conditional admission and consent to disciplinary action];

(i) any Conduct Review Subcommittee report delivered to the Discipline Committee under Rule 4-13 [Conduct Review Subcommittee report], and any written dispute of that report considered by the Committee;

(j) a decision made under section 38 (4) (b) [Discipline hearings]; (k) an action taken under section 38 (5), (6) or (7); (l) an action taken by a review board under section 47 [Review on the record]; (m) a payment made under section 31 on account of misappropriation or wrongful

conversion by the lawyer; (n) an order for costs made against the lawyer under Part 5 [Hearings and

Appeals]; (o) any failure to pay any fine, costs or penalty imposed under the Act or these

rules by the time that it is to be paid. (p) the outcome of an application made by the lawyer under the Judicial Review

Procedure Act concerning a decision taken under the Act or these rules, including a predecessor of either;

(q) the outcome of an appeal under section 48 [Appeal]; (r) any disciplinary or remedial action taken by a governing body or body

regulating the legal profession in any other jurisdiction; (s) a decision of or action taken by the Benchers on a review of a decision of a

hearing panel; “professional corporation” includes a law corporation and means a corporation that is

a company, as defined in the Business Corporations Act, and that is in good standing under that Act or that is registered under Part 10 of the Business Corporations Act, through which a member of a profession, trade or occupation is authorized under a statute governing the profession, trade or occupation to carry on the business of providing services to the public;

“Protocol” means the Inter-Jurisdictional Practice Protocol signed on behalf of the Society on February 18, 1994, as amended from time to time;

“provide foreign legal services” means give legal advice in British Columbia respecting the laws of a foreign jurisdiction in which the person giving the advice is qualified;

“qualification examination” means an examination set by the Executive Director for the purposes of Rule 2-89 [Returning to practice after an absence];

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“reciprocating governing body” (a) means a governing body that has signed the National Mobility Agreement, and

adopted regulatory provisions giving effect to the requirements of the National Mobility Agreement, and

(b) includes a governing body that has signed the Territorial Mobility Agreement and adopted regulatory provisions giving effect to the requirements of the Territorial Mobility Agreement;

“record” includes metadata associated with an electronic record; “remedial program” includes anything that may be recommended by the Practice

Standards Committee under Rule 3-19 (1) (b) [Action by Practice Standards Committee];

“respondent” means a person whose conduct or competence is (a) the subject of a citation directed to be issued under Rule 4-17 (1) [Direction to

issue, expand or rescind citation], or (b) under review by a review board under section 47 [Review];

“review board” means a review board established in accordance with Part 5 [Hearings and Appeals];

“rule” or “subrule” means a rule or subrule contained in these rules; “Second Vice-President-elect” means the Bencher elected under Rule 1-19 [Second

Vice-President-elect], from the time of the election until he or she takes office as Second Vice-President;

“section” means a section of the Legal Profession Act; “Society” means the Law Society of British Columbia continued under section 2 (1)

[Incorporation]; “suspension” means temporary disqualification from the practice of law; “Territorial Mobility Agreement” means the 2006 Territorial Mobility Agreement of

the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, as amended from time to time.

“training course” includes any assessments, examinations or remedial work taken during or after the training course, or an educational program required by the Credentials Committee;

“trust funds” includes funds received in trust by a lawyer acting in the capacity of a lawyer, including funds

(a) received from a client for services to be performed or for disbursements to be made on behalf of the client, or

(b) belonging partly to a client and partly to the lawyer if it is not practicable to split the funds;

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“valuables” means anything of value that can be negotiated or transferred, including but not limited to

(a) securities, (b) bonds, (c) treasury bills, and (d) personal or real property;

“vice-chair” means a person appointed to preside at meetings of a committee in the absence of the chair;

“visiting lawyer” means a member of a governing body who is qualified to practise law in another Canadian jurisdiction.

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PART 1 – ORGANIZATION

Division 1 – Law Society

Benchers

Term of office

1-1 (1) The term of office for an appointed Bencher begins on the date that the appointment is effective and ends on January 1 of the next even-numbered year.

(2) Despite subrule (1), an appointed Bencher continues to hold office until a successor is appointed.

(3) An elected Bencher holds office for 2 years beginning on January 1 following his or her election.

Term limits

1-2 (1) A Bencher is ineligible to be elected or appointed as a Bencher if (a) at the conclusion of the Bencher’s term of office, he or she will have served as

a Bencher for more than 7 years, whether consecutive or not, or (b) the Bencher has been elected Second Vice-President-elect.

(2) Despite subrule (1) (a) but subject to subrule (1) (b), a Bencher who was a Bencher on January 10, 1992 and who, at the conclusion of his or her term of office, will not have served as a Bencher for more than 11 years, whether consecutive or not, is eligible to be elected or appointed as a Bencher.

Oath of office

1-3 (1) At the next regular meeting of the Benchers attended by a Bencher after being elected or appointed as a Bencher or taking office as President or a Vice-President, the Bencher must take an oath of office in the following form:

I, [name] do swear or solemnly affirm that: I will abide by the Legal Profession Act, the Law Society Rules and the Code of Professional Conduct, and I will faithfully discharge the duties of [a Bencher/ President/First or Second Vice-President], according to the best of my ability; and I will uphold the objects of the Law Society and ensure that I am guided by the public interest in the performance of my duties.

(2) An oath under this rule must be taken before a judge of the Provincial Court or a superior court in British Columbia, the President or a Life Bencher.

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Life Benchers

1-4 (1) A person, including the Attorney General, who is ineligible for further election or appointment as a Bencher under Rule 1-2 [Term limits] is a Life Bencher on leaving office as a Bencher.

(2) A Life Bencher (a) may attend and speak at meetings of the Benchers, (b) has no vote in Bencher meetings, (c) except as a member of a committee under Rule 1-49 [Committees of the

Benchers], may not exercise any of the powers of a Bencher, and (d) is ineligible to be elected or appointed as a Bencher.

(3) A Bencher who was a Bencher on January 10, 1992 and who has served for at least 7 years as a Bencher is a Life Bencher on leaving office as a Bencher.

(4) A person who was a Life Bencher on January 1, 2010 continues to be a Life Bencher.

President and Vice-Presidents

1-5 (1) The term of office for the President, First Vice-President and Second Vice-President is from January 1 to December 31 of each year.

(2) Subject to subrule (7), on January 1 of each year, (a) the First Vice-President becomes President, (b) the Second Vice-President becomes First Vice-President, and (c) the Second Vice-President-elect becomes Second Vice-President.

(3) Each year, the members must elect a Bencher who is a member of the Society as the Second Vice-President-elect in accordance with Rule 1-19 [Second Vice-President-elect].

(4) Without further election by the district, the Bencher elected by the members under subrule (3) holds office as a Bencher representing the district that last elected the Bencher until he or she completes a term as President.

(5) If there is a vacancy in the office of President or a Vice-President for any reason, including the operation of this subrule or the failure of a Bencher to take office under this rule, the Bencher who would have assumed the office at the end of the term immediately assumes the vacant office.

(6) If a vacancy under subrule (5) occurs when there is no Bencher elected by the members to assume the office,

(a) the Benchers may elect a Bencher who is a member of the Society to act in the vacant office until a mail ballot of all members, the next general meeting or December 31, whichever comes first, and

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(b) if the next general meeting or a mail ballot takes place before December 31, the members must elect a Bencher who is a member of the Society to the vacant office for the remainder of the year, and a Second Vice-President-elect.

(7) If the First Vice-President assumes the office of President under subrule (5) on or after July 1, subrule (2) does not operate on January 1 of the following year and the President and the Vice-Presidents continue in office for an additional full year.

(8) The powers of the President may be exercised by a Vice-President or another member of the Executive Committee designated by the President

(a) if the President is absent or otherwise unable to act, or (b) with the consent of the President.

Removal of the President or a Vice-President

1-6 (1) On a resolution of a majority of the Benchers to remove the President or a Vice-President from office, the Executive Director must conduct a referendum of all members of the Society to determine if the President or Vice-President, as the case may be, should be removed from office.

(2) If a 2/3 majority of the members voting in a referendum under this rule vote to remove the President or a Vice-President from office, he or she ceases to hold that office and ceases to be a Bencher.

(3) Before conducting a referendum under subrule (1), the Executive Director must notify the President or Vice-President who is affected.

(4) Within 30 days after the Benchers pass a resolution under subrule (1), the Executive Director must mail to each member of the Society in good standing

(a) a notice stating (i) that the Benchers have resolved to remove from office the President or a

Vice-President, as the case may be, (ii) the reasons for the Benchers’ resolution, (iii) that a referendum from among the membership is being conducted to

determine if the President or Vice-President, as the case may be, should be removed from office, and

(iv) the date on which the referendum votes will be counted, (b) a statement by the President or Vice-President, as the case may be, stating why

he or she should not be removed from office, if that person wishes to have such a statement sent to each member, and

(c) voting materials as required in Rule 1-27 [Voting procedure].

(5) The President or Vice-President in respect of whom the referendum is conducted may attend personally or by agent during proceedings under this rule.

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(6) After the counting of the voting papers is completed, the Executive Director must declare whether the President or Vice-President, as the case may be, ceases to hold office.

Bencher ceasing to be member

1-7 A Bencher, other than an appointed Bencher, must be a member of the Society in good standing to take or hold office as a Bencher.

Meetings

Annual general meeting

1-8 (1) The Benchers must hold an annual general meeting of the members of the Society each year.

(2) Subject to subrule (3) and Rule 1-9 [Telephone connections], the Executive Committee may determine the place and time of the annual general meeting.

(3) Unless the Benchers direct otherwise, the President must preside at the annual general meeting from a location in the City of Vancouver.

(4) At the annual general meeting, the Benchers must present a report of their proceedings since the last annual general meeting.

(5) At least 60 days before an annual general meeting, the Executive Director must distribute to members of the Society by mail a notice of the date and time of the meeting.

(6) In order to be considered at the annual general meeting, a resolution must be (a) signed by at least 2 members of the Society in good standing, and (b) received by the Executive Director at least 40 days before the annual general

meeting.

(7) At least 21 days before an annual general meeting, the Executive Director must make available to members of the Society,

(a) by mail, a notice containing the following information: (i) the locations at which the meeting is to be held, and (ii) each resolution received in accordance with subrules (6), and (b) by electronic or other means, the audited financial statement of the Society for

the previous calendar year.

(8) The accidental failure to comply with any requirement under subrule (5) or (7) does not invalidate anything done at the annual general meeting.

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Telephone connections

1-9 (1) The Benchers may conduct a general meeting by joining any number of locations by telephone or by any other means of communication that allows all persons participating in and entitled to vote at the meeting to hear each other.

(2) The Executive Director may appoint a member of the Society in good standing to act as local chair of a location where the President is not present.

(3) The local chair must record the names of those in attendance and, unless the Executive Director directs otherwise, may dispense with registration and voting and student cards under Rule 1-13 [Procedure at general meeting].

(4) A person participating in a general meeting at any location connected under subrule (1) is present at the meeting for the purpose of Rule 1-13 [Procedure at general meeting] and the calculation of a quorum.

(5) The Executive Committee must designate locations to be joined to the annual general meeting, including at least the following locations:

(a) one in District No. 1, County of Vancouver, or District No. 4, County of Westminster;

(b) one in District No. 2, County of Victoria; (c) one in District No. 3, County of Nanaimo; (d) one in District No. 5, County of Kootenay; (e) one in District No. 6, Okanagan; (f) 2 in District No. 7, County of Cariboo; (g) one in District No. 8, County of Prince Rupert; (h) one in District No. 9, Kamloops.

(6) As an exception to subrule (5), if, 7 days before an annual general meeting, fewer than 15 members of the Society have indicated to the Executive Director an intention to attend the meeting at any location announced under Rule 1-8 (7) [Annual general meeting], the Executive Committee may cancel that location.

(7) A technical failure that prevents any member from participating in or voting at a general meeting does not invalidate anything done at the general meeting, and the meeting may continue if the members continuing to participate and vote adopt a resolution to that effect.

Auditors

1-10 (1) At each annual general meeting, the members of the Society must appoint an auditor.

(2) The auditor appointed under subrule (1) must be a chartered accountant or a certified general accountant.

(3) A Bencher, Life Bencher or an employee of the Society is not eligible to be appointed auditor under subrule (1).

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(4) A member of the Society may require the attendance of the auditor at the meeting at the expense of the Society by giving notice in writing to the Executive Director at least 10 days before a meeting at which the financial statements of the Society are to be considered or the auditor is to be appointed or removed, and, in that case, the auditor must attend the meeting.

(5) The auditor of the Society is entitled to (a) attend any general meeting of the Society and to receive every notice and other

communication relating to the meeting that a member of the Society is entitled to receive, and

(b) be heard at any general meeting that the auditor attends on any part of the business of the meeting that concerns the auditor or the financial statements of the Society.

(6) At any general meeting, the auditor, if present, must answer enquiries directed to the auditor concerning the financial statements of the Society and the opinion on them stated in his or her report.

(7) The auditor is entitled at all times to have access to every record of the Society and is entitled to require from the Benchers, officers and employees of the Society information and explanations that the auditor considers necessary to enable the auditor to prepare his or her report.

Special general meeting

1-11 (1) The Benchers may at any time convene a special general meeting of the Society.

(2) The Benchers must convene a special general meeting of the Society on a written request

(a) delivered to the Executive Director, (b) stating the nature of the business that is proposed to be considered for the

meeting, and (c) signed by 5 per cent of the members of the Society in good standing at the time

the request is received by the Executive Director.

(3) The Benchers must convene a special general meeting within 60 days of the receipt of a request under subrule (2).

(4) Subject to subrule (3), a special general meeting must be held at a time and place that the Benchers may determine.

(5) At least 21 days before a special general meeting, the Executive Director must mail to each member of the Society a notice of the meeting stating the business that will be considered at the meeting.

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(6) The accidental omission to give notice of a special general meeting to any member of the Society, or the non-receipt of that notice, does not invalidate anything done at the meeting.

(7) No business other than the business stated in the notice under subrule (5) may be considered at a special general meeting.

Quorum

1-12 At a general meeting of the Society, 50 members of the Society in good standing constitute a quorum.

Procedure at general meeting

1-13 (1) Members of the Society in good standing and articled students are entitled to be present and to speak at a general meeting.

(2) The Executive Director must register all persons attending a general meeting as follows:

(a) members of the Society in good standing, who must be given a voting card; (b) articled students, who must be given a student card; (c) all others given p